“The three players that he’s brought in will be playing regularly,” he told Hawksbee and Jacobs. “Hopefully they’ll be good signings, they’re good signings on paper. I’ve seen Lukaku last season, McCarthy comes with a really good reputation and Gareth Barry is someone in midfield who will strengthen things up.

“I don’t think that’s a bad deal though, losing Fellaini and bringing in three new faces.

“They should be aiming to finish as high up as possible. If they can finish in the top six that would be fantastic.”